Back to school means new teachers, a different schedule, reuniting with classmates, and homework, however, the new school year can also be a prime time for the possibility of “head lice.” Here is a list of signs that might indicate that your child has head lice.
- Constant scratching or complaints of an itchy scalp. However, not everyone will necessarily itch. There also may be red pin dot marks along the nape of the neck or behind the ears.
- Other symptoms might include a tickling feeling in the hair or tiny scabs throughout the scalp of the head.
- Head lice are small insects about the size of a sesame seed. Diagnosis is often made on the basis of finding lice eggs. Eggs are tiny, grayish white, tan or brown ovals that attach very tightly to hair shafts on an angle in the hair. These eggs cannot wash off or be blown away. It takes some effort to remove them from the hair shaft and when removed by hand, they turn brown. Eggs may be found throughout the hair, but often are seen at the nape of the neck, behind the ears and at the crown of the head.
- An important fact to remember is that the eggs are not contagious; it the lice bug that travels from head to head.
- Head lice can affect anyone, young and old, male or female but not animals.
Prevention of head lice
- Girls with long hair should wear their hair up and off the shoulders if possible and use deterrent sprays with rosemary, lavender, and coconut oils, gels and hair sprays. Boys should also use some type of deterrents.
- Make sure your child knows not to share brushes, combs, hats, headphones, bike helmets and any other articles that can transmit head lice.
- The best treatment for head lice is using all natural non-toxic ingredients.
- Lice love clean hair. Teach your child to avoid head-to-head contact.
- If you child does come in contact with someone with head lice, check your child’s hair every other day for 14 days to see if you see any eggs glued sideways to the hair shaft and if you are not sure, ask your doctor or school nurse to check.
Dale Longworth, the Lice Expert of Dobbs Ferry/Westchester is a professional natural lice and nit specialist. She has treated thousands of clients since 1997 and is highly recommended by doctors and school nurses throughout Westchester County. Call Dale 914-424-1367, email dlong2758@aol.comor visit www.liceoffinc.com
